WhatsApp Introduces Noise Cancellation Feature for Voice and Video Calls in Android Beta

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WhatsApp has reportedly begun testing a new noise cancellation feature for its Android beta users, aiming to enhance the clarity of both voice and video calls. Initially noticed in development earlier this year, the feature is designed to filter out background sounds like traffic, wind, and chatter in real time, while keeping the speaker’s voice intact. This move aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing focus on improving call quality, particularly for users who often communicate in noisy or outdoor environments.

According to reports from WABetaInfo, the feature is currently available to a limited group of Android beta testers running version 2.26.14.1. Users who have access to the update can see the noise cancellation option directly in the call menu, where it appears to be enabled by default. This automatic activation ensures that calls benefit from the enhanced audio quality without requiring extra effort, though users do have the option to disable it if needed.

The feature could be especially valuable for frequent travelers or professionals who rely on WhatsApp for remote meetings. By minimizing distracting background sounds, conversations become clearer and more focused, improving overall communication. The implementation in beta testing also allows Meta to gather feedback and refine the technology before a broader rollout to all users.

While the rollout for general users has not been officially announced, the inclusion of real-time noise suppression in WhatsApp signals a significant step forward in the platform’s call experience. As beta testers continue to explore its functionality, expectations are high that the feature will eventually be extended to both Android and iOS users, offering a more seamless and professional-quality calling experience across the platform.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra Leak Hints at 10x Optical Zoom and Modular External Lens Support

Oppo has revealed fresh details about the camera capabilities of its upcoming Find X9 Ultra, emphasizing its strength in long-distance photography. The smartphone is confirmed to include a built-in 10x optical zoom lens, promising enhanced telephoto performance without relying on external attachments. A senior company executive described the feature as providing “telephoto freedom,” highlighting the device’s ability to capture distant subjects quickly and efficiently. The Find X9 Ultra is scheduled for a global launch on April 21.

The company’s Find Series Product Manager, Zhou Shijie, shared more insights on Weibo, noting that the 10x optical zoom lens was developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. He referred to it as a “built-in teleconverter,” emphasizing that the feature is always ready for use, unlike detachable lenses that may require setup. This integration is intended to help users seize fleeting moments without missing important details. The lens system is designed to maintain Hasselblad’s signature color fidelity, even at extreme zoom levels.

Shijie further explained that the internal telephoto setup is capable of covering almost all everyday photography scenarios. According to his statements, it can handle roughly 99 percent of typical shooting needs, from capturing moving subjects to photographing landscapes and distant portraits. This eliminates the necessity for additional lens attachments for most users, making it a practical solution for both casual and serious photographers.

In addition to the built-in 10x zoom, Oppo is also expected to support an optional external lens kit for users who want more specialized photographic capabilities. This combination allows the Find X9 Ultra to cater to both convenience-focused users and enthusiasts seeking professional-level flexibility. Overall, the phone appears poised to offer a versatile camera system that balances portability with high-end performance.

Meta Plans Workforce Shake-Up with 200 Job Cuts and Removal of Middle Management Roles in AI Shift

Meta Platforms is reportedly preparing another round of job cuts as part of its broader push toward artificial intelligence. According to recent reports, the company could lay off up to 200 employees, with the impact largely limited to its teams based in the United States rather than its global workforce. This move reflects a continued shift in priorities as the tech giant doubles down on AI-driven development.

The layoffs are also said to coincide with a structural overhaul inside the company. Meta is reportedly moving away from traditional middle management roles in an effort to simplify its internal hierarchy. Instead of maintaining layered management structures, the company is exploring a leaner approach, replacing conventional titles with newer roles such as “org lead,” which are intended to align more closely with fast-moving, AI-focused teams.

Details from filings with California’s Employment Development Department, cited in reports, suggest that a significant portion of the cuts will occur in Silicon Valley. Around 124 roles could be affected at the Burlingame office, with an additional 74 positions in Sunnyvale. These changes are expected to take effect by the end of May, marking yet another phase in Meta’s ongoing restructuring efforts.

This development follows earlier workforce reductions within the company. In January, Meta reportedly cut about 10 percent of its Reality Labs division, affecting roughly 1,500 employees. That move was widely seen as part of a strategic pivot away from certain metaverse-focused investments and toward accelerating its ambitions in artificial intelligence, which continues to be a central focus for the company’s future growth.